Tesla removes Model S and X from configurator in Europe

Tesla has removed its two top-tier models, the Model S and Model X, from its configurators in Europe. That means customers can only choose from existing vehicles in Germany and other European markets. The future of the two premium models currently remains unclear.

Anyone clicking “Order Now” on a Tesla model is usually taken to the configurator. That’s no longer the case for the Model S and Model X. Instead of “Order Now”, it says “Explore Inventory” and leads interested buyers to a page listing vehicles available now. Only the Model 3 and Model Y still link to the new vehicle configurator.

That is the case for a number of markets across Europe, including the UK and Norway, Europe’s most important EV markets. A random check by electrive showed that in France and the Netherlands, too, the carmaker only lists inventory vehicles for the two series – new configurations are not possible.

It remains unclear whether this move is temporary or permanent – in the US, the most recent facelift versions of both models are still available to order. Typically, Tesla has handled the switchover to updated models in the configurator seamlessly and without formal announcements. The fact that both model lines are currently unavailable for new configurations has naturally fuelled speculation about their future.

The reality is that for Tesla, the Model S and Model X play only a minor role globally – and especially in Europe. The Model 3 and Model Y account for the bulk of deliveries, while the S and X are grouped under “Other” in Tesla’s official sales statistics. In Q2, Tesla delivered 373,728 Model 3/Y vehicles, compared to just 10,394 “other” models. German figures suggest that selling the two larger model lines hardly makes commercial sense. The German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) recorded just 58 new Model S and 59 new Model X registrations in the first half of the year, versus 6,305 new Model Y registrations.

Tesla unveiled another facelift for the S and X in the US back in June. This time, the bodywork remains unchanged, with minor tweaks to styling, features, and comfort. For instance, two new paint finishes – Diamond Black and Frost Blue Metallic – are now available. The update also includes redesigned wheels and black exterior Tesla badges. Powertrain specs remain unchanged, sticking with the major 2021 facelift version.

The refreshed models are now $5,000 more expensive in the US. The Model S Long Range starts at $84,990, with the Plaid version at $99,990. The Model X also costs $5,000 more: the Long Range begins at $89,990, while the higher-performance Plaid variant starts from $194,990.

tesla.com, auto-motor-und-sport.de (in German)